Thousands of food vouchers

More than 11,500 vouchers have been sent to families of children across Peterborough receiving free school meals.

The £30 vouchers – which have automatically been sent to eligible families – are a continuation of the scheme which operated in previous school holidays and half term breaks.

Two supermarket vouchers have been issued – the first by July 23 and the second by August 13. The vouchers do not need to be used in a single shopping trip and once claimed will last for at least a year.

In addition to the summer vouchers, a further £10,000 has been given to CareZone in Peterborough to ensure it is able to support families with emergency supplies.

Additional funding has also been made to the direct award scheme, which enables local groups identified by the Peterborough hub to make direct food and cash awards to families in need. Since the direct award scheme was set up, over 150 of these awards have been made.

Over 1,200 parental queries about the scheme have been dealt with, but any additional queries around vouchers can be sent to winter.support@ cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Peterborough City Council’s Community Hub is in place to help families access further support. Details can be found at www.peterborough.gov.uk/wintersupport and can be contacted on 0345 045 5219 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Cllr Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, Skills and the University said: “I am delighted that so many vouchers have been sent to struggling families across Peterborough.”